Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Arteta - Wigan will play for their lives

Mikel Arteta expects Wigan Athletic to "play for their lives" at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.

Roberto Martinez's side lifted the FA Cup on Saturday after a shock
win over Manchester City and some feel they will suffer a comedown after
their Wembley high when they take on Arsenal.

Arteta is not among them. With Wigan chasing the points that could
yet preserve their Premier League status, the Arsenal midfielder is
bracing himself for a severe test against fired-up opponents.

"You never know what the reaction is going to be," Arteta told
Arsenal Player.

"You're not used to winning so you don't know what the
reaction is going to be because you can't really compare with the past
and the way they reacted.

"They will play for their lives. For them it's massive to stay in the
Premier League. I'm sure they will give everything they've got. I don't
know how much they've got in the tank but whatever they've got, they
are going to give it. They are a dangerous team as they showed here last
year when they played against us."

Last year's corresponding fixture ended in a 2-1 win for Wigan - and a convincing win at that.

"That's why we know that we are facing a very difficult game against a
good side," said Arteta. "They've been playing very well [recently] and
I don't think they've been rewarded with points when they've deserved
them.

"It's going to be tough. I think everyone - the staff and the fans - have to be ready to help tomorrow. For us it's massive."